Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

USC OtolaryngologyFull-time$70.3k–$71kPosted Aug 5, 2026

The Applegate Laboratory at the University of Southern California is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an interdisciplinary research team developing next-generation optical technologies for imaging the living human inner ear. This project combines biomedical optics, optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrafast lasers, image-guided surgery, and otology to address one of the most significant unmet needs in hearing research and clinical care.

Inner ear disorders such as Meniere's disease affect millions of people worldwide, causing hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. Despite advances in medical imaging, clinicians currently lack a method for directly visualizing the microscopic anatomy and function of the living human cochlea. MRI and CT remain the clinical standards but lack the spatial resolution needed to resolve cochlear microstructure or assess its biomechanics. OCT has emerged as a powerful alternative, capable of imaging cochlear anatomy with micrometer-scale resolution while simultaneously measuring sound-evoked vibrations, blood flow, and other functional biomarkers. Although OCT has been successfully demonstrated in animal models, translation to humans has been limited by the thickness of the human otic capsule, which exceeds the optical penetration depth of OCT.

Our laboratory is developing a novel solution that combines OCT with image-guided two-photon laser ablation to precisely thin the otic capsule through the ear canal, enabling high-resolution imaging of the cochlea without open surgery or manipulation of the eardrum. Preliminary studies in porcine temporal bones demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, opening the possibility of structural and functional imaging of the human inner ear for the first time.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced OCT instrumentation, ultrafast laser systems, image-guided ablation methods, and experimental validation in ex vivo and in vivo models. Opportunities also exist to participate in translational efforts aimed at commercializing these technologies and moving them toward clinical application.

Applicants should have a PhD in biomedical engineering, optics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: optical system design, OCT, microscopy, laser-tissue interactions, ultrafast lasers, image processing, optical instrumentation, programming (MATLAB, Python, or C++), or biomedical imaging. Candidates with strong experimental skills and an interest in translating fundamental engineering advances into clinical technologies are especially encouraged to apply.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment alongside engineers, physicists, otolaryngologists, and clinician-scientists while developing technologies that have the potential to fundamentally transform the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders.

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,304 - $71,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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